Keith Lusher 08.22.25
Product Overview
The Free Fly Topogrid Shorts are premium fishing shorts made from stretch nylon ripstop with UPF 50+ sun protection. They retail for $89 and are available in sizes 30-40 waist. Available colors include Stone, Navy, Charcoal, and Olive. Designed for saltwater fishing and outdoor activities where quick-dry performance and durability matter most.
What It’s Made For
The Topogrid Shorts are built for hardcore anglers who need tough fishing shorts that can handle serious saltwater abuse. Made from stretch ripstop with UPF 50+ protection, these shorts are designed for long days battling fish in brutal saltwater conditions. I wore them for the ultimate test during my recent marlin fishing trip in Cabo San Lucas, where the bright sunlight, bloody fish, and saltwater provided the perfect testing ground for fishing gear.
First Impressions
Pulling these shorts out of the box, I could tell right away they were different from regular fishing shorts. The fabric felt tough but surprisingly light, with a soft feel that meant comfort without giving up strength. The 7.5-inch inseam and slim cut looked modern and clean, way better than the baggy look of most fishing shorts. These looked good enough to wear off the water too.
Material
Fabric: Stretch ripstop made from 51% Nylon, 45% Recycled Nylon, and 4% Spandex with water-repelling coating and UPF 50+ sun protection. The fabric weight hits the sweet spot between tough and breathable.
Construction: Guide-quality build with reinforced stress points, solid belt loops, and what Free Fly calls a “dialed” pocket setup. The hidden knife pocket adds function while keeping the outside clean. Strong seams and quality hardware show these shorts were built for serious fishing.
Rating: 9/10
Fit & Sizing
Other captains mentioned that these run a bit tight, and I found that to be true. The fixed waist with belt loops stays put during hardcore fishing action, while the slim leg gives you great movement without loose fabric flapping around. The cut works both on and off the water. If you’re between sizes, go up one.
Rating: 8/10
Comfort & Wearability
During my 12-hour Cabo fishing trip, these shorts proved they could go the distance. The stretch fabric moved naturally during overhead casts and the brutal work of fighting marlin in the chair. Even when wet, the shorts never felt tight or uncomfortable. The lightweight build meant I forgot I was wearing longer shorts instead of my usual fishing shorts.
Rating: 10/10
Functionality & Performance
The real test came when marlin blood splattered all over the shorts during our epic fish fights. Later, jumping into Cabo’s clear saltwater for underwater photos completely soaked the fabric. The quick-dry feature blew me away. Within minutes of getting back on the boat, the shorts felt dry and comfortable again, way different from cotton shorts that would have stayed wet for hours. The water-repelling coating worked great, while the UPF 50+ protection saved my legs during our long day getting baked under the Mexican sun.
Rating: 10/10
Style & Appearance
Free Fly nailed it by making fishing shorts that don’t look like fishing tournament gear. The Stone color works with any fishing shirt, while the modern cut and quality build look good enough for resort wear. I wore these shorts from the 5 a.m. dock walk through evening dinner at our Cabo resort without looking out of place anywhere. The low-key Free Fly branding keeps things clean.
Rating: 10/10
Durability & Longevity
The ripstop fabric handled everything Cabo fishing could dish out it. Hook snags, boat hardware, and general fishing abuse left no marks. After saltwater exposure, brutal sun, and the wash needed to get the marlin blood out, the shorts kept their shape, color, and performance. The reinforced pockets and quality stitching show these shorts will handle years of hardcore fishing.
Rating: 9/10
Value & Price Point
Free Fly prices these in the premium fishing gear market, and the performance backs up the cost for serious anglers. The mix of technical fabric, smart design, and versatility for off-water wear creates solid value. They cost more than basic fishing shorts, but the toughness and multi-use ability make them a smart buy for dedicated fishermen.
Rating: 8/10
Wear Test Notes
Cabo’s brutal conditions create the ultimate test for fishing gear. Intense UV, saltwater spray, physical demands from fighting big fish, and needing to look good off the water push gear to its limits. Throughout my marlin adventure with Tag Cabo Sportfishing, Free Fly’s Topogrid Shorts crushed it in every way. When I jumped overboard for underwater marlin photos, the quick-dry tech became obvious right away. The fabric shed water fast and dried quick enough that I stayed comfortable for the rest of our long day. Most impressive was how easy the marlin blood washed out with just one normal wash cycle.
The pocket setup worked great during fishing, with the hidden knife pocket keeping my fillet knife secure while the outside pockets handled tackle and phone storage without adding bulk.
The Verdict
Best For: Serious saltwater anglers wanting guide-quality shorts with style flexibility; anyone wanting technical performance that doesn’t look too technical; anglers who fish trips where gear needs to work both on and off the water.
Avoid If: You like loose-fitting traditional fishing shorts or need tons of pocket storage for tackle.
Overall Rating: 9/10
After testing tons of fishing shorts over the years, the Free Fly Topogrid Shorts have earned a permanent spot in my gear bag. They represent the perfect evolution of fishing gear: technical performance that doesn’t sacrifice style, toughness that handles serious use, and versatility that works from the dock to dinner. Whether you’re fighting marlin in Cabo or chasing redfish in Louisiana, these shorts deliver the protection and performance that hardcore anglers demand while looking good enough to wear anywhere your fishing day takes you.
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